Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin urged the Convention to sign the Constitution despite his doubts, emphasizing the importance of unity and the public good. He believed it was the best available option and could be amended in the future. His confidence in the Constitution was pragmatic, prioritizing national cohesion over personal reservations.
- 1787-08-31 “I hope, therefore, for our own sakes, as a part of the people, and for the sake of our posterity, that we shall act heartily and unanimously in recommending this Constitution... On the whole, Sir, I cannot help expressing a wish, that every member of the Convention who may still have objections to it, would with me on this occasion doubt a little of his own infallibility, and, to make manifest our unanimity, put his name to this Instrument.” OCR text
OCR: 2 cited passage(s) are machine-read (OCR) text of old printings; quotations reproduce the stored OCR text, misreadings included.
The full record: ledger, contrary evidence, reasoning, sources
OCR: 2 cited passage(s) are machine-read (OCR) text of old printings; quotations reproduce the stored OCR text, misreadings included.
1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)
Record ledger
- BELIEF (1787-08-31): Benjamin Franklin urged the Convention to sign the Constitution, expressing a wish that every member with objections would doubt a little of his own infallibility and put his name to the Instrument to make manifest their unanimity. He believed in acting heartily and unanimously to recommend the Constitution and ensure its good administration. (key quote above)
- BELIEF (1787-08-31): Benjamin Franklin expressed that he did not entirely approve of the Constitution at the time, but he agreed to it because he believed it was for the good of the United States and that it could be amended in the future if necessary.
- ACTION (editor's note) (about 1787, editor's note; editor's note, not his words): Benjamin Franklin urged the Convention to sign the Constitution, though the specific date is not given in the note. "Alluding to the convention for forming the Constitution of the United States."
What cuts against it
- ACTION (undated, editor's note): The editor's note mentions Franklin's urging of the Convention to sign the Constitution but does not provide a specific date, which may reduce the clarity of the timeline.
2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)
1. Franklin expressed doubts about the Constitution but urged the Convention to sign it for the sake of unity and the public good.
2. He believed that the Constitution, while not perfect, was the best available option and could be amended in the future.
3. He emphasized the importance of acting unanimously to ensure its acceptance and effectiveness.
4. He encouraged members to doubt their own infallibility and to put their names to the Instrument to demonstrate unity.
5. This shows a pragmatic approach to governance, prioritizing national cohesion over personal reservations.
3. HIS TAKE
Record coverage: DIRECT
Extrapolation: Franklin believed the Constitution was a necessary compromise, acknowledging its imperfections but advocating for its adoption to ensure national unity and stability. He urged the Convention to sign it despite his reservations, emphasizing the importance of public good over personal objections.
Competing readings: None directly stated in the record.
Confidence: High, based on direct quotes from Franklin's speech and letter to the Convention.
- OCR textThe Writings of Benjamin Franklin (Smyth ed.), vol. 9 (Albert Henry Smyth (ed.), The Writings of Benjamin Franklin, 10 vols., Macmillan, 1905-190). Document: B. FRANKLIN. 1696. TO S. OSGOOD AND A. LEE (A. P. s.). Date: 1787-08-31. Source type: old edited collection (OCR text). Passage id: franklin/writingsofbenjam09franuoft/0314.02. Variants: franklin/writingsofbenjam09franuoft/0011.00, franklin/works-of-benjamin-vol-xi-letters-and-misc-writings-1784-1788/0194.02
- OCR textThe Writings of Benjamin Franklin (Smyth ed.), vol. 9 (Albert Henry Smyth (ed.), The Writings of Benjamin Franklin, 10 vols., Macmillan, 1905-190). Document: B. FRANKLIN. 1696. TO S. OSGOOD AND A. LEE (A. P. s.). Date: 1787-08-31. Source type: old edited collection (OCR text). Passage id: franklin/writingsofbenjam09franuoft/0314.00. Variants: franklin/works-of-benjamin-vol-xi-letters-and-misc-writings-1784-1788/0194.00
- The Works of Benjamin Franklin, in 12 vols.: The Works of Benjamin Franklin, Vol. XI Letters and Misc. Writings 1784-1788 (John Bigelow (editor)). Document: Editor's note [n82]. Date: undated. Source type: EDITOR'S NOTE (the editor's words, not the person's). Passage id: franklin/works-of-benjamin-vol-xi-letters-and-misc-writings-1784-1788/0313.00
Quote check: PASSED (2/2 quotations verified verbatim)